We will be visiting a lot of friends during our travels. They have offered to let us plug in at their homes. If they do not have a dedicated 50 amp plug, is there any way to get 50 amps into the newell ?

Not really, as you need 240v for full 50 amp supply, you will have to go into the house breaker box and take one leg off each phase to neutral and wire to a receptacle for your coach plug. Best done by an electrician.